Written by: John Sernaque
Stewardship
CS - Counsels on Stewardship (1940) Chapter 1—Coworkers With God
The Glory of the Gospel
That man might not lose the blessed results of benevolence, our Redeemer formed the plan of enlisting him as His coworker. God could have reached His object in saving sinners without the aid of man; but He knew that man could not be happy without acting a part in the great work. By a chain of circumstances which would call forth his charities, He bestows upon man the best means of cultivating benevolence, and keeps him habitually giving to help the poor and to advance His cause. By its necessities a ruined world is drawing forth from us talents of means and of influence, to present to men and women the truth, of which they are in perishing need. And as we heed these calls, by labor and by acts of benevolence, we are assimilated to the image of Him who for our sakes became poor. In bestowing, we bless others, and thus accumulate true riches. {CS 13.5}
What a blessing it is to have the privilege of being a coworker with our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus. This is an opportunity that we should not miss. Although God does not need our help, He gives us the chance to participate in the great work of salvation. This is a great honor to all mankind. To be given the chance to earn a living, by Him who for our sakes became poor, that we may be able to help the poor and to advance His cause. As sinners, to be entrusted to this work so that others would not perish demonstrates God’s tremendous love for mankind. Praise God and to God be the glory.
Our kind and gracious Father,
We thank You for giving us this honor, privilege, and the opportunity of being coworkers with You in this great work of salvation. We pray that through this work that we may cultivate benevolence and charity. We pray for the poor, our less fortunate brothers and sisters, that they may be lifted up as we lift You up while advancing Your cause. We are very thankful for everything You have done for us, what you continue to do, and will do for us and we thank You in advance for all of Your blessings. We are sorry and humbly repent of all of our sins and ask for the forgiveness of sins, that we may be washed clean by the blood of Christ. Save us and help us that through us, others may be saved. We thank You for hearing and answering our prayers. In the name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
